right one. of course, he has struggled to get his message across. a new political poll out yesterday has his personal unfavorability rating just above the president at 48% compared to the president's 47%. so in this debate, romney's got to wrestle that message back from the president, appeal to those undecided voters who don't like obama, and campaign sources acknowledge that's going to be a tricky balancing act. he's got to hit the president but he's got to be wary of sounding too negative. >> thank you. president obama is preparing in henderson, nevada, just outside las vegas. he made a surprise visit monday to a local campaign office and called several volunteers on the phone. he told one supporter the debate practice is fun, but also tedious. >> basically they're keeping me indoors all the time. it's a drag. [ laughter ] they're making me do my homework. >> nancy cordis is covering obama. good morning. >> reporter: as the president does his homework here, his campaign has been working hard i